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| Pope Leo XIV speaks to the College of Cardinals in Rome on Saturday, May 10, 2025 |
The election of Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, as the first American-born pontiff, has raised questions regarding the implications of his U.S. citizenship in light of his new role as the sovereign of the Vatican City State.
Under U.S. law, specifically 8 U.S. Code § 1481, a U.S. citizen may lose their nationality by voluntarily acquiring the nationality of a foreign state or by serving in a foreign government if they take an oath or declaration of allegiance to that state. However, the law also requires that such actions be performed with the intention of relinquishing U.S. citizenship.
Paul Hunker, an American immigration attorney, notes that the role of the pope as the head of the Vatican City State is unique and does not necessarily equate to serving in a foreign government in the traditional sense. Furthermore, there is no indication that Pope Leo XIV has taken any action with the intent to relinquish his U.S. citizenship.
In addition to his American citizenship, Pope Leo XIV is also a naturalized citizen of Peru, reflecting his decades of ministry in the country. The Vatican City State, while a sovereign entity, grants its citizenship based on one's role within the Vatican and is typically held only for the duration of one's service.
Historically, the Vatican has not required popes to renounce their previous citizenships. The dual or multiple citizenships of a pope have not posed issues in the past, and there is no canonical requirement for a pope to hold only Vatican citizenship.
Therefore, from both a legal and canonical standpoint, Pope Leo XIV can retain his American citizenship while serving as the pope. His unique position underscores the global nature of the Catholic Church and reflects the diverse backgrounds from which its leaders can emerge.